Student Question

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Well, there were a number of plans to divide the treasure.  At first, Jim Hawkins, Dr. Livesly and Squire Trelawney, are in possession of the map (found in Bones' treasure chest).  The three hire a ship, the Hispanolia, and a crew (led by Captain Smollet) to set out to find the booty.

Although the trio have been warned about a dangerous one-legged man by Bones before he dies, they nonetheless are fooled by the gentlemanly facade of Long John Silver, who hires on as the ship's cook.  Soon, however, Silver makes his intents known.  He whips the a sizable number of the crew into mutiny, promising them shares of the treasure once it is found.

Now there are two sides:  those on Captain Smolllet's side; those on Silvers, the pirates.  After a lot of trouble, Silver tries to strike a deal...split the treasure on both sides.  The captain refuses.

In the end, only five of the original crew return, and they divide the treasure. 

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial